Updated: Bartholomew, 4 other area counties upgraded to travel warnings – 101.5 WKKG

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says that five area counties have raised their alert level for local travel to the travel warnings, the highest level.

As of 9:30 p.m.,  Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Johnson and Brown counties are now under the warning level. That means travel is restricted to emergency management workers only. During a warning, you should

• Refrain from all travel;
• Comply with necessary emergency measures;
• Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
• Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

In Jennings and Shelby counties, authorities have declared a travel watch alert. Under a travel watch,  conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

An advisory is the lowest level of travel alert. Under a travel advisory, routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.